Boston Armenians Host United with Artsakh Program on April 29

WATERTOWN — On Friday, April 29, the United with Artsakh Program, an all-Boston concert to benefit Armenians of Artaskh will take place at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, 47 Nichols Ave. The program will start at 7:30 p.m.

Following the recent large-scale act of aggression by the Azeri regime against the citizens of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh or NKR), that republic’s armed forces demonstrated their determination and resolve in defending their ancestral homeland. As a result, the enemy suffered hundreds of casualties and approximately $170 million in military hardware losses.

We all are too familiar with the atrocities committed by Azeri troops on children and the elderly, a pattern that has continued since the Sumgait and Baku pogroms during the fall of the Soviet Union. Unfortunately, the defense of our homeland did not come cheaply. Many young soldiers were lost, as did peaceful, unarmed civilians, during the unprovoked attack.

While far away from the front lines, the Armenians of Boston, along with other Armenians worldwide, stand united with our brothers and sisters in Artsakh and Armenia. However, we can and should do more. There is an urgent need for financial support to address various medical and humanitarian needs there. The Nagorno-Karabagh Ministry of Finance has set up special bank accounts to solicit donations from across the world. We would like to do our part by contributing to this fund. To that end, we are organizing an all-Boston concert, featuring a number of artists and musicians from the local community. All parties have donated their time and services, and the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center has provided the Hovnanian Hall free of charge for this event.

The list of performers is growing, as is the list of the event sponsors. As of now, the event is co-sponsored by the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, ARF Sardarabad Gomideh, Leola Sassouni and Shushi chapters of the ARS, the AYF Greater Boston Nejdeh Chapter, Hamazkayin-Boston, Boston Homenetmen, St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church and School and the Tekeyan Cultural Association. The performers’ list includes: Jasmine Atabekyan, Arev Ensemble, John Berberian Ensemble, Hamazkayin Erebouni Dance Ensemble, Sevag Khatchadourian, Maroukhian Trio, Gegham Margarian, Meghri Choir, Shahan Nercessian, Markos Shahbazyan and Zangakner Children’s Choir. We will maintain an up-to-date list of co-sponsors and performers on Facebook.

One hundred percent of the funds collected through this benefit concert will go to the NKR Ministry of Finance’s bank account to support fellow Armenians in need. Plan to attend and show your support but if one cannot attend, please consider a donation. Better yet, please attend the show and make a donation. We will have letters on hand for the families of our fallen heroes to be signed by all in attendance which will be delivered to these families. Visit www.itsmyseat.com/artsakh/ or call Tatul Badalian at (617) 331-0426 to purchase tickets and/or make a donation.